Overview & Reviews

Building tough trucks for tough work has been the focus of GMC for years, but even GMC couldn't avoid the onslaught of the crossover SUV revolution. That's where the GMC Acadia comes in.

The Acadia is a large crossover SUV. Mechanically, it's very similar to its platform-mates -- the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and now-discontinued Saturn Outlook. Thanks to its spacious interior, strong V6 engine and competitive price, the Acadia is one of the better crossover SUV choices. Although there were styling updates and a few other minor changes made for 2013, shoppers should know that Acadias from any year share most of the same pros and cons.

Current GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a large crossover SUV that's offered in five trims: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali. Each comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. Although even the base SLE-1 is fairly well-equipped, moving up through the trims brings luxuries such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, smartphone app integration and a panoramic sunroof.

The GMC Acadia is one of the roomiest crossover utility vehicles in its class, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats are captain's chairs, but a 60/40-split-folding bench is available as an option. Those second-row seats also slide 4 inches fore and aft and easily flip up and out of the way for access to the third-row seats. There's room for adults in the back two rows, though leg support is a bit lacking. With both the second and third rows folded down, the Acadia's substantial cargo space is topped only by minivans and extra-large SUVs like the Chevy Suburban.

In our road tests we've found the Acadia's handling respectable, especially considering the vehicle's large size, and its buttoned-down and quiet ride is particularly impressive. The V6 won't blow you away with its power, but it moves the Acadia out with decent authority. Overall, our editors feel that the GMC Acadia represents a compelling combination of functionality, luxury and value.

Used GMC Acadia Models
The GMC Acadia debuted for the 2007 model year. Its 3.6-liter V6 lacked direct injection until 2009, and hence was rated at a slightly lower 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque for its first two years of production. The transmission was reprogrammed for 2010 to address previous complaints of sluggish downshift response. That year also saw new features like Bluetooth connectivity, real-time traffic updates for the navigation system, and available heated and ventilated seats. The plush Denali trim debuted the following year.

For 2013, GMC heavily updated the Acadia. Changes included refreshed front and rear styling, improved interior materials and a new front-center airbag as well as larger, easier-to-use controls for the audio, climate and navigation systems. This year also brought GM's IntelliLink system, with its smartphone integration capability, as well as a slight shuffling of equipment and trim levels.

User Reviews:

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  07 GMC Acadia - Simply Awesome - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TerryInGA - May 28 - 5:56 am

  We were shopping BMX X5 and Lexus RX350 and ended up with an Acadia! We just happened to hear about the Acadia and in head to head test drives, we preferred it. To be honest, we were surprised even though we also have had great experience with a Yukon we got several years ago. With the Acadia, we found the combination of vehicle style, features, smooth and quiet ride, etc that just was everything we were looking for. We now have gone on one 10 day vacation and have 4K miles on the Acadia and we like it more and more every day. Not one defect to date! With our last car (German), we had 6 defects within the 1st month. A tip of the hat to GMC for the Acadia!

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  Wheres The MPG? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gordonhill - May 18 - 11:10 pm

  The car is fun to drive once you reach 20 or so mile per hour, but until then it seems to be hesitant to shift into lower gears to give the needed power for moving around in City traffic. I have had the transmission calibrated a couple of times and it helps for a while then it goes back to hesitating. Also the fuel mileage is not even close to what was advertised on the window sticker. The sticker said I should get 18 City and 24 Highway MPG. I get 14 City and 18 to 19 Highway. I asked the service reps about it and they kind of shrug and say "thats about normal". Otherwise I like the car a lot and have no real mechanical problems.

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  I love my GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By coolbusn mom - May 12 - 5:29 pm

  I bought my Acadia the day I first seen it. It is safe and fun to drive, not to mention easy to get into and out of. Only complaint is the interior isnt easy to clean or keep clean. I am a school bus driver and safety is number one with me so believe me when I say the Acadia is tops! In the ice and snow this past year going to work was easy(The kids hate it when bus drivers make it to work) So, if you drive it once you will fall in love and if you purchase one, you will not regret it.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dave bishop - April 29 - 1:56 pm

  Rides nice, drives easily. Love the XM radio with controls on the steering wheel. The OnStar gives you peace of mind. Lots of storage when back seats are down. It is everything I expected it to be.

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  Initial Impressions - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sox83 - April 25 - 9:03 am

  Have owned the vehicle for only 3 days. This is the first US brand I have ever purchased - said many times before that I would never buy US, but GM built the perfect vehicle for my family... 2 children under 3yrs, wife did not want a minivan, no real need for a huge SUV, but wanted something big to haul everything to grandmas house. Acceleration is good. Responsive steering and tight turning radius makes it drive like a smaller car. Suspension makes for comforatble cruising. Little body roll when cornering at speed. Interior fit and finish is excellent - no squeaks or rattles. Very little wind noise at highway speeds. Have yet to find anything inside not thoughtfully designed.

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  Very satisfied Acadia owner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By WB Sims - April 19 - 12:11 am

  Ive owned an SLT-1 FWD Acadia for about 8 months and have not regretted the decision one bit. I went with the black metallic exterior with "brick" interior, and cant believe how nice that combination looks. I continue to get compliments in that regard. The 20" tires/rims really make the vehicle stand out. The ride is rather smooth (especially on the open rode) and the handling is very nimble. What I really find impressive is the roominess of the interior. It is very easy to move around and and change the seating positions (having captians chairs is particularly nice). I considered buying the Mazda MX-9, Volvo XC-90 and the Acura MDX. The Acadia is a much better looking vehicle imo.

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  I adore my Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Finesse - April 14 - 4:51 pm

  I wanted the space of a full size SUV but not the bulk. When GMC came on the scene with the Acadia in 2007, I knew my prayers had been answered. This crossover SUV is absolutely gorgeous. Its perfect for me and my family. I also ride a sport bike and the tow hitch on the back is perfect for pulling our enclosed trailer as well. You cant go wrong with this truck. It looks good, you feel safe and secure with OnStar and XM radio and the rest of the bells and whistles. But just like most vehicles this size, it could be better in the gas mileage category. Fortunately I kept my 96 Mazda Protege when I got this so my Acadia is strictly for the weekends and leisure. Way to go GM!

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  Clunking but love the vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By lizaanne - April 6 - 7:05 pm

  Ive had my Acadia for one year and I love it! I did the transmission software update and it made a big difference. Unfortunately the dealership goofed it up when they did it and it was registering 3.1 miles on the odometer for every one mile I drove. I checked the mileage with with the highway milemarkers. The front end makes a clunking noise when just starting to take off. I learned from another review that the clunking noise is the anti-lock breaking system engaging. Other than these two issues I love my Acadia! I hope everyone elses issues are resolved quickly.

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  Excellent Crossover Vehicle.. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SLT-1 - April 6 - 5:21 pm

  I just love this car and I am very pleased with the quality and service I have received. I get in the car and it seems like the car does all the driving for me, sometimes I forget where I am going and I miss my destination. Only thing I wish I had was XM radio, but other than that it has everything that I need. I am gonna upgrade with the same vehicle in a couple of years. GMC has once again out done themselves..Great job!

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  DON"T BUY THIS !! Several options Dont Work !!!!! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Susheel - April 4 - 12:11 am

  I owned a 2014 Acadia Denali and for some strange reason decided to trade for 2017 model. New 2017 model sucks ! Lane departure warnings DO NOT WORK. NO BEEPS if you change lanes without turn signal - Regardless of your speed or which streets or freeways you are on - I tested this along with 2 people from dealership - we drove over 100 miles testing this !!!! ( 0f course after I leased it !!! ) - Never Worked . Front Collision does not work unless you are about to HIT the Vehicle ahead - beeps if you are about 10 feet away at 30 MPH - If you are parking behind a car, it will beep only if you come within 8 inches !!! DEFEATS the purpose of having this ! MY 2014 Acadia Denali worked fine - it would beep if I changed lane without turn signal and would also beep if I came close to another vehicle - depending on my setting - far,medium or near ( forward collision ) . Front Auto Braking does NOT WORK . I went to 3 other dealers to show me how it is supposed to work - They were all surprised to see it does NOT WORK !!!! I assumed that 2017 acadia denali would be better than 2014 I owned and assumed that everything that worked on it will work better or at least the same way - NO NO NO ! Big Disappointment !!!!! Also new 2017 Acadia is Way too Small !!!! Please TRUST ME - Before getting this , do ask the salesperson to show how all the features work - Trust me , you will be disappointed. The ONLY good thing is that I leased it and will get RID of this [non-permissible content removed] in 2 years ! Have previously bought 2011 and 2014 Acadia Denalis - WILL NEVER BUY or Lease GMC again in my life.